I am trying to convince my sister in law to still go to Rome as they have been planning. They have never stayed at a hostel before only expensive hotels (where trouble is more likely to occur, if at all). Are they like the hostels in Spain? Does anyone have a recommendation for a hostel or a bed and breakfast in Rome? She travels constantly, but has not been out of the USA for, maybe, 15 years.

jacmom, do you mean "hostales"? If so, then yes, but they're called "Pensiones" - spelled the same as in Spanish. I've stayed at a couple of these in Rome and also in Florence, Italy. I don't remember their names (it was in the early 90s) but they were family owned and operated budget hotels just like in Spain (at that time - surely they're much nicer now just like the "hostales" are much nicer now too).

Try a search using, for example, the following search syntax:

pension +roma

That should yield quite a few. Good luck!

Saludos, MadridMan

Rome wonderful, but pensions in Rome. an adventure, think hotel *** in Rome= hotel ** in Madrid, look Starhotels Metropole near Termini station, for me the best I've been in Rome.......LUCK!

First, thanks for correcting me on the spelling! and second thanks to MadridMan and Jazz for the info. I will send it on to her and hope that she goes for it! I guess I need to point out to her that her niece lives in Europe and as parents we would not think of trying to call her home.

I agree that staying in a hostal in Rome is not the best idea. Also, I would try not to stay near the Bus Terminal. Not the best area. I stayed there one and I did not like it.
I love Rome though! It has such wonderful neighborhoods (Travestere is so nice!) and the Piazzas! Really wonderful!! I love Italy!!

All right - no pensiones in Roma.